SIPs, or structural insulated panels, are a framing material made from an EPS (rigid expanded polystyrene) core sandwiched between two sheets of OSB (oriented strand board). The core is also sometimes filled with polyurethane foam or XPS (extruded polystyrene foam). This building product provides a strong wall structure that has a high insulating value. |
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SIPs in Home Construction |
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Structural insulating panels are a green building product that can be used for a home's walls, its roof and its floors. When used in new home construction it replaces a number of conventional building materials like the insulation, the framing studs and joists and the vapor and air barriers. The all in one nature of the standardized panels makes installation of the framing system fast and efficient.
SIPs are engineered to be structural. (Check with the manufacturer for specs on the product that you are buying for more details). In fact, structural insulated panels are remarkably stronger than traditional 2x6 or 2x4 framed walls, outperforming this stick-built construction method in axial load strength. |
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Benefits of SIPs |
The continuous wood surface of oriented strand board (OSB) provides walls with a solid nail-base for all exterior cladding and interior drywall and finishes. EPS foam is a hydrocarbon that is non-toxic. If burned, expanded polystyrene only produces carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace amounts of ash which would be similar to burning paper. Additionally, SIPs are more consistent and predictable than a stud wall, which may bow or twist. Walls built with structural insulated panels are plumb,straight, square and go up quickly. |
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SIPs and R-Value |
Even when up against conventional insulation with comparable R-Value SIPs are far more energy efficient. The energy performance of a home constructed with structural insulating panels is 25% better than the average wood framed house. The panels have a better thermal performance because they are air-tight and solid. Properly constructed, a home with SIPs will create a tight, well insulated building envelope giving the home greater insulating value. Then indoor atmosphere and environment will be more comfortable and easier to control. |
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Cost of Building with SIPs |
While initially more expensive, constructing your home with structural insulating panels can cost roughly the same as wood framing once you consider the savings derived from a faster construction time, reduced wasted headed for landfill sites and lower labor costs. |
Savings really start adding up after construction when heating a cooling costs are vastly lower - about half that of a conventionally constructed home. This is due to the fact that homes built using SIPs have tighter building envelopes which save energy. |
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SIPs good for LEED-H Ratings |
Structural insulated panels are favored in LEED-H ratings. |
The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) has developed a system called LEED to guide and measure green-building. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. |
Rather than simply believing claims that homes have been built with green products and best-building approach to construction, the LEED for Homes (LEED-H) program rates and awards points for energy efficiency, materials and construction methods according to rigorous green-building benchmarks. Because SIPs use advanced framing techniques, are better insulated and provide a superior building envelope they are given higher points in LEED-H ratings. |
So if you are a homebuyer that is serious about buying a home that is healthful to live in, with low energy consumption, whose construction had minimal environmental impact look for a LEED-certified home. The various ratings are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. |
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| Talk to a professional contractor about the benefits and costs of structural insulated panels. Compare free quotes for framing your home or home addition. |
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